They locate gene that influences hypospadias

• April 28, 2024

In a research published in the scientific journal Nature Genetics, the discovery of a gene that could influence the appearance of the hypospadias , a disease that affects 1 in 375 men, and that is due to incomplete development of the fetus in the uterus. When this muta gene , the risk of suffering from this condition increases considerably. Scientists believe that this could explain the appearance of this malformation in some families. The opening of the urethra of children with this malformation, is not at the tip of the penis , but further back, at the base and in some cases in the scrotum. It is usually solved with a surgery , but sometimes it has been seen that it brings physical, psychological and sexual consequences when these children are older.

The problem occurs during the period of pregnancy , just at the stage when the sexual organs they develop in the maternal womb; the penis of the fetus does not comply with its normal process and this condition is generated. On the other hand, and although it has not been fully verified, there is the possibility of influencing a factor chemical by ingesting some substance in the first weeks of gestation.

The only reliable clue has been the fact that the anomaly is more likely if a male relative has suffered it, which would indicate at least genetic origin .

Scientists had already found a gene that plays a determining role in a more severe form of hypospadias. The genetic mutations that contribute to the most common and less severe form, on the other hand, have proved to be more evasive.

Source: BBC World

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